Perimeter ventilation system for electronic display

ABSTRACT

The exemplary embodiments herein provide an electronic display assembly having an electronic display surrounded by a front panel and a housing. An ingestion gap may be placed near a portion of the perimeter of the front panel while an exhaustion gap may be placed near an opposing portion of the perimeter of the front panel. A buffer zone may be defined between the ingestion gap and the exhaustion gap. A fan may be positioned to draw open loop fluid into the ingestion gap, through a channel behind the electronic display, and out of the exhaustion gap. This fan may also draw open loop fluid through an optional heat exchanger. A circulating fan may force circulating air through an optional heat exchanger.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application and does not claimpriority to any co-pending applications.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to mounting andcooling systems for electronic displays.

BACKGROUND

Electronic displays are sometimes used in outdoor environments or otherareas where the surrounding temperatures may be high or there may beother sources of heat such as solar loading causing the temperatureswithin the display to rise. However, some portions of the display can bedifficult to cool as simply ingesting ambient air into some portions ofthe display can introduce dust and contaminates into sensitive portionsof the display, which can lead to premature failures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPT

Exemplary embodiments may comprise a display assembly and a freestanding display housing. The display assembly may be mounted within thefree standing display housing. The display assembly may comprise aningestion gap that is positioned along the perimeter of a front panel,as well as an exhaustion gap that is positioned along an opposingportion of the perimeter of the front panel. A fan may be positioned toforce open loop fluid into the ingestion gap, through a channel behindthe electronic display, and out of the exhaustion gap.

The same fan or an additional fan may be used to force open loop fluidthrough an optional heat exchanger as well. An additional circulatingfan may be used to circulate a closed loop fluid through the heatexchanger as well.

A buffer zone may be placed between the ingestion gap and the exhaustiongap and preferably contains one or more septums which substantiallylimit or prohibit the vertical flow of open loop fluid once ingestedinto the housing. The septums are generally positioned horizontally andnear the vertical center of the display assembly (although notrequired).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In addition to the features mentioned above, other aspects of thepresent invention will be readily apparent from the followingdescriptions of the drawings and exemplary embodiments, wherein likereference numerals across the several views refer to identical orequivalent features, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of theelectronic display assembly housed in a free standing housing, andindicating section line A-A and Detail A.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 andindicating Detail N.

FIG. 3 is a detailed front elevation view of Detail N shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1,and indicating section line B-B as well as Detail C.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of Detail A shown in FIG. 1, shownwith a front panel removed.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 1, where a rear panel has been removed, and indicating Detail D andDetail E.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective section view taken along section line A-A ofFIG. 1, and indicating Detail F.

FIG. 8 is a top plan section view of Detail F shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is bottom perspective section view taken along section line B-Bof FIG. 4, and indicating Detail K.

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan section view of Detail K shown in FIG. 9, andindicating Detail L.

FIG. 11 is a front plan view of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1and indicating section lines F-F, G-G, and H-H.

FIG. 12A is a top plan section view taken along section line F-F of FIG.11, and indicating Detail O and Detail P.

FIG. 12B is a top plan section view taken along section line G-G of FIG.11, and indicating Detail Q.

FIG. 12C is a top plan section view taken along section line H-H of FIG.11, and indicating Detail R.

FIG. 13A is a top plan detailed section view of Detail O in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13B is a top plan detailed section view of Detail Q in FIG. 12B.

FIG. 13C is a top plan detailed section view of Detail R in FIG. 12C.

FIG. 14 is a top plan detailed section view of Detail P in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of Detail D shown in FIG. 6, shownwith the free standing display housing removed.

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of Detail C shown in FIG. 4 of therear panel, shown in isolation from the surrounding components.

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan section view of Detail L shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of Detail E shown in FIG. 6, shownwith the free standing display housing removed.

FIG. 19A is a rear perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1, shownwith the free standing display housing removed, and indicating Detail S.

FIG. 19B is a front perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1, shownwith the free standing display housing and front panel removed, andindicating Detail T.

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective detail view of Detail S shown in FIG. 19A.

FIG. 21 is a front perspective detail view of Detail T shown in FIG.19B.

FIG. 22 is bottom perspective section view taken along section line B-Bof FIG. 4

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1 showingonly the rear panel, free standing display housing, and a select portionof the display assembly in isolation from all other surroundingcomponents, and indicating detail M.

FIG. 24 is a top view of the assembly of FIG. 1, showing only the rearpanel and select portions of the display assembly in isolation from allother surrounding components.

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of Detail M shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 26A is a front perspective view of a septum shown with only thefree standing display housing and select portions of the displayassembly in isolation from all other surrounding components.

FIG. 26B is another front perspective view of the septum, again shownwith only the free standing display housing and select portions of thedisplay assembly in isolation from all other surrounding components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the inventionare shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplaryembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In thedrawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may beexaggerated for clarity.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference toillustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments(and intermediate structures) of the invention. As such, variations fromthe shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, ofmanufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus,embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to theparticular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to includedeviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art andwill not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unlessexpressly so defined herein.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of an electronic display assembly 5(hereinafter also the “assembly”). The electronic display assembly 5comprises a front panel 10 that may cover the majority of the frontsurface of the assembly 5. The front panel 10 may be transparent andpositioned in front of an electronic display 70, which is preferablysecured behind the front panel 10. In exemplary embodiments, the frontpanel 10 is a touch screen. A perimeter wall 55 may surround the frontpanel 10.

A free standing display housing 15 may surround the assembly 5 and maybe configured to permit affixing the assembly 5 to the ground. Inexemplary embodiments the free standing display housing 15 may be flagshaped. In still other embodiments, the free standing display housing 15may be sized and configured to be integrated into a bus shelter.

The free standing display housing 15 may comprise a post 20, an upperbeam 25, and a base 30. In exemplary embodiments, the base 30 maycomprise select apertures 35, such as circular holes, that permit afastener, such as a bolt, to pass through and thereby affix the base 30to the ground. The number and location of the apertures 35 shown aremerely an example. A bottom portion of post 20 may be buried to affixthe free standing display to the ground. In some embodiments, this maybe accomplished by burring said bottom portion of post 20 in concrete.The free standing display housing 15 and related components may becomprised of a metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum.

The upper beam 25 may further comprise a secondary display 40 thatcovers a majority of one side of the upper beam 25. In exemplaryembodiments this secondary display 40 is a liquid crystal display (LCD).In other embodiments, the secondary display 40 may be a static displaycomprising an illumination device, such as a backlight, and a cavity toaccommodate a static display, such as a poster.

A pair of elongate members 50 may extend from the top of the post 20.The elongate members 50 may be configured to further secure the freestanding display housing 15, and thereby the assembly 5, in place. Anynumber and shape of elongate members 50 is contemplated. In exemplaryembodiments, these elongate members 50 may be sized and configured to beintegrated with a bus shelter.

As discussed in greater detail in the subsequent figures, the assembly 5may further comprise a gap 45 between the perimeter wall 55 and thefront panel 10 configured to permit the flow of a fluid, such as ambientair, in and out of the assembly 5. In exemplary embodiments, theassembly 5 may be configured such that the upper half of the assembly 5permits the intake of a fluid, while the lower half of the assembly 5permits the exhaust of said fluid, as illustrated by the flow lines.This is only an example as other embodiments may be configured such thatthe upper half of the assembly 5 permits the exhaust of a fluid, whilethe lower half of the assembly 5 permits the intake of said fluid.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrates the gap 45, further indicated by the crosshatched area which has been enlarged in order to show the detail,extends along the perimeter of the assembly 5. The gap 45 may furthercomprise a buffer zone 46. The buffer zone 46 may be an area, preferablybetween the ingestion and exhaust portions of the gap 45 that does notpermit the flow of external air. In other embodiments, the buffer zone46 may substantially limit the flow of external air. In an exemplaryembodiment, the gap 45 is positioned around the perimeter of the frontpanel 10 but is not found within the buffer zones 46. In an exemplaryembodiment, the buffer zones 46 are located near the vertical centerlineof the display assembly 5 and typically there is a first buffer zone onthe right hand side of the assembly with a second buffer zone on theleft hand side of the assembly.

In FIG. 4 the assembly 5 may further comprise a rear panel 60 thatcovers a majority of the rear surface of assembly 5. A rear perimeterwall 54 may surround the sides of rear panel 60. In exemplaryembodiments, the rear perimeter wall 54 may be substantially the same asthe perimeter wall 55. The upper beam 25 may further comprise a tertiarydisplay 41 that may contain a backlight and graphic, similar to thesecondary display 40. An illumination unit, such as a backlight, may beplaced behind the rear panel 60. A cavity may be located behind the rearsurface of rear panel 60 and may be configured to accommodate a staticdisplay, such as a poster, placed within or behind the rear panel 60. Inalternate embodiments, an electronic display assembly (such as an LCD)may be placed behind the rear panel 60.

As discussed in greater detail in the subsequent figures, similarly toFIG. 1 the assembly 5 may further comprise a rear gap 44 between therear perimeter wall 54 and the rear panel 60 configured to permit theflow of a fluid, such as ambient air, in and out of the assembly 5. Inexemplary embodiments, the assembly 5 may be configured such that theupper half of the assembly 5 permits the intake of a fluid, while thelower half of the assembly 5 permits the exhaust of said fluid, asillustrated by the flow lines (but this could be reversed).

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, ingestion andexhaustion of open loop fluid 400 may not take place along selectportions of the rear gap 44, such as the upper and lower edges. In otherembodiments, ingestion and exhaustion of open loop fluid 400 may takeplace along the entirety of rear gap 44, with the possible exception ofthe buffer zones 46.

FIG. 5 illustrates the front panel 10 removed, revealing that theelectronic display 70 which may be affixed behind front panel 10 andwithin perimeter wall 55. The assembly 5 may further comprise a seriesof intake apertures 65 located above the electronic display 70, betweenthe display 70 and the secondary display 40. The illustrated intakeapertures 65 are merely exemplary, any number and shape of intakeapertures 65 is contemplated. The intake apertures 65 may be configuredto facilitate the ingestion of a fluid, such as ambient air, into anopen loop that flows behind the electronic display 70. A pair of sideinterior channels 21 and 22 may run the majority of the length of eachside of the electronic display 70.

FIG. 6 illustrates the rear panel 60 removed, revealing an interior rearpanel 80 secured behind the rear panel 60. The interior rear panel 80may cover a majority of the rear surface of the assembly 5. The assemblymay contain a series of rear intake apertures 75 located above theinterior rear panel 80 and sometimes within rear perimeter wall 54. Theillustrated rear intake apertures 75 are merely exemplary, any numberand shape of said apertures 75 is contemplated. As will be explained ingreater detail in subsequent figures, the apertures 75 may be configuredto facilitate the ingestion of the open loop fluid.

Similarly, the assembly 5 may further comprise a series of rear exhaustapertures 85 located below the interior rear panel 80 and sometimeswithin rear perimeter wall 54. The illustrated rear exhaust apertures 85are merely exemplary, any number and shape of rear exhaust apertures 85is contemplated. As will be explained in greater detail in subsequentfigures, the rear exhaust apertures 85 may be configured to facilitatethe exhaust of the open loop fluid. Optional fans 81 may be affixedbehind interior rear panel 80 and above rear exhaust apertures 85. Thefans 81 may be configured to control the flow of the open loop fluid.Any number of fans 81 is contemplated. In other embodiments, the fans 81may be located at any number of locations along the open loop flow path,or any position between the intake 75 and exhaust apertures 85.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate the lower half of the assembly 5 and freestanding display housing 15. A side beam 90 may be located on theopposite side of post 20 and may run a majority of the length of theassembly 5. The side beam 90 may be comprised of a metal and beconfigured to provide structural support and rigidity to the assembly 5.An electronics cavity 16 may be placed within the interior of theassembly 5. An optional heat exchanger 100 may be affixed within or nearthe electronics cavity 16. In exemplary embodiments the heat exchanger100 may be a cross flow heat exchanger, but other types of heatexchangers can be used, especially counter flow heat exchangers andothers. A series of electronic components 105 may also be affixed withinthe electronics cavity 16. As will be explained in greater detail insubsequent figures, open loop fluid 400, such as an external air, maycirculate through the heat exchanger 100. Closed loop fluid, such as acirculating gas 700 may circulate through the electronics cavity, aswell as over and through electronic components 105, and through heatexchanger 100.

As will be explained in greater detail in subsequent figures, in thisembodiment open loop fluid 400 may exhaust the assembly 5 via gap 44 andoptional rear gap 45 along a second gaseous pathway 420. As indicated bythe flow lines, open loop fluid may follow the zigzag shaped secondgaseous pathway 420 from a right side channel 19, out of the assembly 5.Alternatively, other pathway shapes may be utilized and are expresslycontemplated.

When using a liquid crystal display as the electronic display 70, abacklight 106 may be placed behind the electronic display 70 and ispreferably a direct lit LED backlight, but other illumination sourcescan be used with the exemplary embodiments. A plate 104 or othersubstantially planar object may be placed behind the backlight 106 inorder to create a channel 102 for accepting open loop fluid 400.Preferably, the channel 102 is sealed to prevent open loop fluid 400from entering other portions of the display assembly, specifically theelectronics compartment 16.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 illustrate the upper half of assembly 5 and freestanding display housing 15, which are similar to the lower half asshown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, respectively, with the exception of a pairof optional stiffeners 110. The optional stiffeners 110 will beexplained in greater detail in subsequent figures. As will be explainedin greater detail in subsequent figures, in this embodiment open loopfluid 400 may enter the assembly 5 via gap 44 and optional rear gap 45along a first gaseous pathway 410. As indicated by the flow lines, openloop fluid 400 may follow the zigzag shaped first gaseous pathway 410 tothe right side channel 19. Alternatively, other pathway shapes may beutilized and are expressly contemplated.

FIG. 11 is a front plan view of the assembly of FIG. 1 and indicatessection lines F-F, G-G, and H-H.

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B illustrates, as will be explained in greaterdetail in subsequent figures, a pair of channel septums 130 and acentral septum 140 are preferably positioned substantially horizontallyand near the vertical centerline of the assembly 5, although embodimentscould also place them near the top or bottom of the assembly 5, awayfrom the vertical centerline.

In this embodiment, FIG. 12A shows the area of the gap 45 (and optionalrear gap 44) that is designated as the intake of the open loop fluid400.

Also shown in these figures, as well as FIG. 12C is the fan 81, which ispositioned to cause the flow of open loop fluid 400 into the portion ofgap 45 (and optional rear gap 44) that is generally used as in intakefor ambient air (filtered or unfiltered), down the left side interiorchannel 21 (intake channel), across/through channel 102, down the rightside interior channel 22, and exhausting out of the portion of the gap44 (and optional rear gap 45) that is used as an exhaust for the fluid400. It should be noted that the left and right side interior channels21 and 22 are optional as an alternative embodiment would include thefollowing path for open loop fluid 400: into the portion of gap 45 (andoptional rear gap 44) that is generally used as in intake for ambientair (filtered or unfiltered), across/through channel 102, and exhaustingout of the portion of the gap 45 (and optional rear gap 44) that is usedas an exhaust for the fluid 400.

FIG. 12C is a top sectional view taken along section line H-H of FIG. 11and indicates Detail R. In this embodiment, this figure shows the areaof the gap 45 (and optional rear gap 44) that is designated as theexhaust of the open loop fluid 400.

FIG. 13A illustrates the ingestion of open loop fluid 400 via rear gap44. The open loop fluid 400 may pass through an optional door stiffener115 via aperture 122. The open loop fluid 400 may travel along the firstgaseous pathway 410.

FIG. 13B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the assembly within theregion of the optional buffer zone 46. In this embodiment, buffer zone46 may comprise essentially an area at, near, or within the gap 45 (andoptional rear gap 44) that contains one or more fluid-blocking plugswhich are placed along the path of open loop fluid 400 so that it maynot pass through in any substantial amount. In exemplary embodiments,the buffer zone 46 would contain the channel septums 130 along with thecentral septum 140, but some embodiments would utilize only the channelseptum 130 (if the embodiment does not permit fluid 400 to flow throughthe door stiffeners). In some embodiments, rather than placing thechannel septums 130 within the right and left side channels 18 and 19,the buffer zone 46 may contain a plug that is positioned near or at theend of the gap 44. Generally speaking, the buffer zone is horizontal andis placed near the vertical centerline of the assembly 5, although itcould be placed near the top or bottom of the assembly 5.

It is notable that the buffer zone 46 should exist on both lateral sidesof the assembly 5, as well as both on the front and rear of the assembly5 (if using the rear gap 44) such that the buffer zone 46 blocks aportion of the front gap 45 (and the rear gap 44) on both the right andleft sides of the assembly 5.

FIG. 13C illustrates the exhaustion of open loop fluid 400 via rear gap44. The open loop fluid 400 may pass through a door stiffener 115 viaaperture 122. The open loop fluid 400 may travel along the secondgaseous pathway 420.

It should be noted that although FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate the rear gap44, in an exemplary embodiment the front gap 45 has a similarorientation as to the rear gap 44. It has not been shown here as itwould be substantially duplicative.

FIG. 14 illustrates the combined areas of the gap 45 and the rear gap44, as indicated by the cross hatched area. In exemplary embodiments,outside of the buffer zone 46, the cross hatched area allows the flow ofopen loop fluid 400 either into or out of the gap 45 (and the optionalrear gap 44).

FIG. 15 illustrates the assembly 5 in isolation from the free standingdisplay housing 15. A door stiffener 120 may be affixed immediatelybehind the front panel 10. In some embodiments, the door stiffener 120may be affixed to a rear surface of the front panel 10. The doorstiffener 120 may run substantially the perimeter of the front panel 10.The door stiffener 120 may be comprised of a metallic or other materialsuitably rigid to provide structural rigidity and strength to theassembly 5. The door stiffener 120 may comprise a series of apertures125 that permit the flow of open loop fluid 400. The illustrated doorstiffener apertures 125 are merely exemplary. Any number and shape ofapertures 125 are contemplated.

FIG. 16 illustrates the rear panel 60 in isolation. In exemplaryembodiments, rear door stiffeners 115 may be affixed around theperimeter edges of the rear panel 60, thereby framing rear panel 60. Adoor cavity 17 may be defined by the space between the rear panel 60,the interior surfaces of rear door stiffeners 115, and the interior rearpanel 80 (not shown in the current figure). Open loop fluid 400 ingestedvia the rear gap 44 may be considered open loop fluid 400 b once ittravels through the rear door stiffeners 115 via apertures 122 into thedoor cavity 17. The illustrated apertures 122 are merely exemplary, anynumber and shape of apertures is contemplated. Optional stiffeners 110in the form of elongate members may extend substantially the length ofthe rear panel 60. The optional stiffeners 110 may be comprised of ametal, a polymer, or other material suitably rigid to provide structuralrigidity and strength to the rear panel 60. The optional stiffeners 110may comprise a series of apertures 135 that facilitate open loop fluid400 b to flow through the optional stiffeners 110. The illustratedoptional stiffeners 110 and the apertures 135 are merely exemplary, anynumber and shape of the optional stiffeners 110 and the apertures 135 iscontemplated.

The portion of the open loop fluid 400 traveling in the door cavity 17is referred to as open loop fluid 400 b. As shown, open loop fluid 400 bmay pass behind the interior panel 80 and be ingested via the intakeapertures 75 in order to be directed towards the channel 102. In anexemplary embodiment, the fluid 400 b would flow through intakeapertures 75 and be directed into left side channel 18, whichdistributes the fluid 400 b across the channel 102, and exhausted out ofright side channel 19.

FIG. 17 illustrates, via flow lines, the circulation of open loop fluid400 a through the front and rear of assembly 5. Open loop fluid may beingested via the gap 45, travel through the door stiffener 120 via theapertures 125 and travel vertically through the right side channel 19sometimes defined in part by the right side interior channel 22 and sidebeam 90. Similarly, the open loop fluid 400 a may be ingested via therear gap 44, travel through the door stiffener 115 via the apertures122, through optional stiffeners 110 via aperture 135, and enter theright side channel 19. On the opposite side of the assembly 5, a similarroute may be taken whereby the open loop fluid ultimately enters a leftside channel 18 sometimes defined in part by the left side interiorchannel 21 and post 20.

A substantially identical flow path in reverse may be taken forexhaustion of the open loop fluid at on the opposite end of the assembly5. Again, in exemplary embodiments, ingestion takes place in the upperhalf or assembly 5 and exhaustion takes place in the lower half ofassembly 5. In other embodiments, ingestion takes place in the lowerhalf and exhaustion in the upper half of the assembly 5. In still otherembodiments, ingestion may take place on the right side while exhaustiontakes place on the left side with the buffer zone 46 placed at the topand bottom edges of the assembly to prevent cross inhalation of the twoflow paths.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary flow path for the open loop fluid 400after being ingested via the gap 45 and the rear gap 44. In exemplaryembodiments, this path may comprise the first gaseous pathway 410. Theopen loop fluid 400 which is ingested via the rear gap 44 may travelalong the door cavity 17 between the optional door stiffeners 110 andcan be referred to as the open loop fluid 400 b. The open loop fluid 400b may then travel vertically along the rear interior panel 80 and beingested via the rear intake apertures 75. Other portion of open loopfluid 400 may travel along the left side channel 18 and the right sidechannel 19 and be referred to as the open loop fluid 400 a. Aftertraveling vertically through the side channels 18 and 19, the open loopfluid 400 a may travel over the top of said channels and be ingested viathe intake apertures 75. Similarly, the open loop fluid 400 may beingested via the gap 45, travel through the door stiffener apertures 125below front panel 10, and be ingested via the intake apertures 65.

FIG. 19A illustrates a rear perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1shown in isolation from the free standing display 15 and indicatingDetail S.

FIG. 19B illustrates a front perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1shown in isolation from the free standing display 15 and indicatingDetail T.

FIG. 20 illustrates that the portion of open loop fluid 400 traveling inthe right side channel 19 is referred to as open loop fluid 400 a. Theopen loop fluid 400 a may travel inside the right side channel 19, overthe top of the right side interior channel 22, and into the intakesapertures 75.

FIG. 21, similar to FIG. 20 but shown from a front perspective,illustrates that the portion of open loop fluid 400 traveling in theleft side channel 18 is referred to as open loop fluid 400 a. The openloop fluid 400 a may travel inside the left side channel 18, over thetop of the left side interior channel 21, and into the intakes apertures65.

FIG. 22 is bottom perspective section view taken along section line B-Bof FIG. 4. Once the open loop fluid 400 a/400 b is ingested via thevarious intake apertures 75 and 65, it is combined and then apportionedbetween a first portion of open loop fluid 400 which travels through theopen loop gas pathways of the heat exchanger 100, and a second portionof open loop fluid 400 which is directed through the channel 102.

One or more circulating fans 32 are used to force circulating gas 700across the electronic components and through the closed loop gaspathways of the heat exchanger 100, as well as between the electronicdisplay 70 and the front panel 10, forming a closed loop. In thisembodiment, the circulating gas 700 passes through the opening withinthe pass through gasket 200 while the open loop fluid 400 travels aroundthe pass through gasket, substantially ensuring that the open loop fluid400 and circulating gas 700 do not mix. This design can be flippedhowever, where, the circulating gas 700 travels around the pass throughgasket 200 while the external air 400 travels through the pass throughgasket 200.

A portion of the flow of open loop fluid 400 is shown traversing theleft fight side interior channel 21 and passing by the cross throughgasket 200 in order to enter the channel 102 that runs behind theelectronic display 70 (here behind the backlight 106). The channel 102is preferably defined as the space between the rear surface of theelectronic display 70 (here behind the backlight 106) and a plate 104. Apreferably corrugated and preferably continuous heat sink is ideallyplaced within the channel in order to facilitate the conductive transferof heat from the electronic display 101 to the continuous heat sink, tobe removed by convection with the open loop fluid 400.

The heat exchanger 100 preferably contains a plurality of layers thatdefine channels that contains either circulating gas 700 or open loopfluid 400. Preferably, the circulating gas 700 is not permitted to mixwith the open loop fluid 400.

The flow of open loop fluid 400 travels through the channel 102 andagain passes around the pass through gasket 200 to enter the left sideinterior channel 22, eventually being directed out of the portions ofthe gap 45 (and the optional rear gap 44) which have been designated forexhaustion of the fluid 400. In this embodiment, the circulating gas 700is shown exiting the heat exchanger 100 and passing through the openingwithin the pass through gasket 200 and then between the electronicdisplay 70 and the front panel 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger 100 would be a cross-flowheat exchanger. However, many types of heat exchangers are known and canbe used with any of the embodiments herein. The heat exchanger 100 maybe a cross-flow, parallel flow, or counter-flow heat exchanger. In anexemplary embodiment, the heat exchanger 100 would be comprised of aplurality of stacked layers of thin plates. The plates may have acorrugated, honeycomb, or tubular design, where a plurality ofchannels/pathways/tubes travel down the plate length-wise. The platesmay be stacked such that the directions of the pathways are alternatedwith each adjacent plate, so that each plate's pathways aresubstantially perpendicular to the pathways of the adjacent plates.Thus, external air or circulating gas may enter an exemplary heatexchanger only through plates whose channels or pathways travel parallelto the path of the gas. Because the plates are alternated, thecirculating gas and open loop fluid may travel in plates which areadjacent to one another and heat may be transferred between the twogases without mixing the gases themselves (if the heat exchanger isadequately sealed, which is preferable).

In an alternative design for a heat exchanger, an open channel may beplaced in between a pair of corrugated, honeycomb, or tubular plates.The open channel may travel in a direction which is perpendicular to thepathways of the adjacent plates. This open channel may be created byrunning two strips of material or tape (esp. very high bond (VHB) tape)between two opposite edges of the plates in a direction that isperpendicular to the direction of the pathways in the adjacent plates.Thus, gas entering the heat exchanger in a first direction may travelthrough the open channel (parallel to the strips or tape). Gas which isentering in a second direction (substantially perpendicular to the firstdirection) would travel through the pathways of the adjacent plates).

Other types of cross-flow heat exchangers could include a plurality oftubes which contain the first gas and travel perpendicular to the pathof the second gas. As the second gas flows over the tubes containing thefirst gas, heat is exchanged between the two gases. Obviously, there aremany types of cross-flow heat exchangers and any type would work withthe embodiments herein.

An exemplary heat exchanger may have plates where the sidewalls have arelatively low thermal resistance so that heat can easily be exchangedbetween the two gases. A number of materials can be used to create theheat exchanger. Preferably, the material used should be corrosionresistant, rot resistant, light weight, and inexpensive. Metals aretypically used for heat exchangers because of their high thermalconductivity and would work with these embodiments. However, it has beendiscovered that plastics and composites can also satisfy the thermalconditions for electronic displays. An exemplary embodiment wouldutilize polypropylene as the material for constructing the plates forthe heat exchanger. It has been found that although polypropylene mayseem like a poor thermal conductor, the large amount of surface arearelative to a small sidewall thickness, results in an overall thermalresistance that is low. Thus, an exemplary heat exchanger would be madeof plastic and would thus produce a display assembly that is thin andlightweight. Specifically, corrugated plastic may be used for each platelayer where they are stacked together in alternating fashion (i.e. eachadjacent plate has channels which travel in a direction perpendicular tothe surrounding plates).

In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic display 70 would be a directLED backlit LCD where the LED backlight would contain a plurality ofLEDs mounted on a thermally conductive substrate (preferably a metalcore PCB). The rear surface of the LED backlight would preferablycontain a thermally conductive plate which may be in conductive thermalcommunication with the channel 102.

The circulating gas 700 and open loop fluid 400 can be any number ofgaseous matters. In some embodiments, air may be used as the gas forall. Preferably, because the circulating gas 700 travels in front of theelectronic display 70 it should be substantially clear, so that it willnot affect the appearance of the image to a viewer. The circulating gas700 should also preferably be substantially free of contaminates and/orparticulate (ex. dust, dirt, pollen, water vapor, smoke, etc.) in orderto prevent an adverse effect on the image quality and/or damage to theinternal electronic components. Generally speaking, exemplaryembodiments would utilize ambient air as the open loop fluid 400.

The cooling system may run continuously. However, if desired,temperature sensing devices may be incorporated within the electronicdisplay to detect when temperatures have reached a predeterminedthreshold value. In such a case, the various cooling fans may beselectively engaged when the temperature in the display reaches apredetermined value. Predetermined thresholds may be selected and thesystem may be configured to advantageously keep the display within anacceptable temperature range. Typical thermostat assemblies can be usedto accomplish this task. Thermocouples may be used as the temperaturesensing devices.

FIGS. 23 through 25 illustrate a central septum 140 which is preferablypositioned substantially horizontally and near the vertical centerlineof the assembly 5, although embodiments could also place them near thetop or bottom of the assembly 5, away from the vertical centerline thatextends along substantially the midline of the front surface of the rearpanel 60. A right channel septum 130 extends substantially along themidline of the right side interior edge of the free standing displayhousing 15 such that it is generally aligned with the central septum140. Similarly, a left channel septum 130 may be affixed on the leftside interior edge of the assembly 5 such that it is aligned with thecentral septum 140.

The central septum 140, the right channel septum 130, and the leftchannel septum 130 (hereinafter collectively the “horizontal partition”)may be configured to substantially divide the door cavity 17 into anupper and lower half. The horizontal partition may be configured suchthat it creates a substantially air-tight seal between the upper andlower halves of the door cavity 17. Optionally, the horizontal partitionmay further comprise an expandable material, such as polyurethane foam,utilized in conjunction with the horizontal partition to provide theairtight seal between the upper and lower halves. In exemplaryembodiments the central septum 140 may be comprised of a sufficientlyflexible material, such as a polymer, to create an airtight seal in thedoor cavity 17. In alternate embodiments, the central septum 140 may becomprised of a rigid material. In exemplary embodiments, the rightchannel septum 130 and the left channel septum 130 may be rigid.

In an exemplary embodiment, the open loop fluid 400 may be ingested viathe gap 45 (and optional rear gap 44) in the upper half of the assembly5. Said open loop fluid 400 a may travel along the right side channel 19until a portion of said fluid reaches the right channel septum 130 andis prevented from traveling beyond. Similarly, the open loop fluid 400 amay travel along the left side channel 18 until a portion of said fluidreaches the left side channel septum 130. Said portions of the open loopfluid may be forced to return vertically in the opposite direction andcirculate through the upper half of right side channel 19 and the leftside channel 18, respectively, until eventually being ingested via theintake apertures 65 and 75, as discussed in the previous figures.

In a similar fashion, open loop fluid 400 b which travels along the doorcavity 17 may travel vertically until a portion of said fluid 400 breaches central septum 140 and is prevented from traveling beyond. Inthis way, fluid 400 b which has been ingested (but has not traveledthrough the heat exchanger 100 or the channel 102) cannot mix with thefluid 400 b which has traveled through the heat exchanger 100 or thechannel 102 and needs to be exhausted out of the gap 45 (and optionalrear gap 44).

As also discussed in the previous figures, the open loop fluid 400 maycirculate through the optional heat exchanger 100 until eventually beingexhausted via the exhaust apertures 85. In exemplary embodiments, thispath may comprise the second gaseous pathway 420. The open loop fluid400 may then eventually return to the right side channel 19 or the leftside channel 18 and travel vertically therein. The right channel septum130 and the left channel septum 130, respectively, may prevent said openloop fluid from traveling beyond the midline of assembly 5 and therebyprevent the open loop fluid from each half of the assembly 5 frombecoming mixed. That is, open loop fluid not yet ingested via the intakeapertures 65 and 75 may not be mixed with open loop fluid alreadyingested via said intake apertures 65 and 75. The open loop fluidencountering the right side septum 130 and the left side septum 130,respectively, may be forced to return vertically in the oppositedirection until eventually being exhausted from the assembly 5 via thegap 45 (and optional rear gap 44).

FIG. 26A and FIG. 26B illustrate exemplary embodiments of the channelseptums 130. In such embodiments, a portion of the channel septums 141may be adjustable such that (if desired) a portion of the open loopfluid 400 a may be permitted to pass by the channel septums 130, therebypermitting a limited amount of mixing between the ingestion andexhaustion open loop fluids. In such embodiments, a second portion ofthe channel septums 142 may be static, such that they may not beadjusted and provide a substantially air-tight seal such that ingestionand exhaustion open loop fluids may not be mixed. In other embodiments,the entirety of the channel septums 130 may be adjustable. In stillother embodiments, the entirety of the channel septums 130 may bestatic.

It is to be understood that the spirit and scope of the disclosedembodiments provides for the cooling of many types of displays. By wayof example and not by way of limitation, embodiments may be used inconjunction with any of the following electronic image assemblies: LCD(all types), light emitting diode (LED), organic light emitting diode(OLED), field emitting display (FED), light emitting polymer (LEP),organic electro luminescence (OEL), plasma displays, and any other thinpanel electronic image assembly. Furthermore, embodiments may be usedwith displays of other types including those not yet discovered. Inparticular, it is contemplated that the system may be well suited foruse with full color, flat panel OLED displays. Exemplary embodiments mayalso utilize large (55 inches or more) LED backlit, high definitionliquid crystal displays (LCD). While the embodiments described hereinare well suited for outdoor environments, they may also be appropriatefor indoor applications (e.g., factory/industrial environments, spas,locker rooms) where thermal stability of the display may be at risk.

As is well known in the art, electronic displays can be oriented in aportrait manner or landscape manner and either can be used with theembodiments herein.

It should also be noted that the variety of cooling loops that are shownin the figures may be shown in a horizontal or vertical arrangement butit is clearly contemplated that this can be reversed or changeddepending on the particular embodiment. Thus, the open loop may runhorizontally or vertically and in a clockwise or counter-clockwisedirection. Further, the open loop may also be horizontal or vertical andcan run left to right, right to left, and top to bottom, or bottom totop.

Having shown and described a preferred embodiment of the invention,those skilled in the art will realize that many variations andmodifications may be made to affect the described invention and still bewithin the scope of the claimed invention. Additionally, many of theelements indicated above may be altered or replaced by differentelements which will provide the same result and fall within the spiritof the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit theinvention only as indicated by the scope of the claims.

I claim:
 1. An electronic display assembly comprising: an electronicdisplay; a housing and front panel which surround the electronicdisplay; an ingestion gap for ingesting open loop fluid positioned alonga vertical and a horizontal portion of a perimeter of the front panel;an exhaustion gap for exhausting open loop fluid positioned along avertical and a horizontal portion of a perimeter of the front panel; achannel positioned behind the electronic display; a first gaseouspathway for open loop fluid to travel from the ingestion gap to thechannel; a second gaseous pathway for open loop fluid to travel from thechannel to the exhaustion gap; a fan positioned to cause the flow of theopen loop fluid; a buffer zone positioned between the ingestion gap andthe exhaustion gap; and a central septum placed within the buffer zone.2. The electronic display assembly of claim 1 wherein: the ingestion gappermits the ingestion of ambient air into the housing.
 3. The electronicdisplay assembly of claim 1 further comprising: a first side channelpositioned vertically and forming at least a portion of the firstgaseous pathway; and a second side channel positioned vertically andforming at least a portion of the second gaseous pathway.
 4. Theelectronic display assembly of claim 3 further comprising: a channelseptum placed within the first side channel.
 5. The electronic displayassembly of claim 4 wherein: the channel septum substantially preventsthe vertical flow of open loop fluid.
 6. The electronic display assemblyof claim 1 wherein: the ingestion gap and the exhaustion gap face anintended observer of the electronic display.
 7. An electronic displayassembly comprising: an electronic display; a housing surrounding theelectronic display; an ingestion gap on the housing positioned to facean intended observer of the electronic display; an exhaustion gap on thehousing positioned to face an intended observer of the electronicdisplay; a channel positioned behind the electronic display; a firstside channel positioned vertically and permitting gaseous communicationbetween the ingestion gap and the channel; a second side channelpositioned vertically and permitting gaseous communication between thechannel and the exhaustion gap; a fan positioned to cause open loopfluid to flow into the ingestion gap, through the first side channel,through the channel, through the second side channel, and exhausting outof the exhaustion gap; a buffer zone positioned between the ingestiongap and the exhaustion gap; and a central septum placed at the samevertical height as the buffer zone.
 8. The electronic display assemblyof claim 7 further comprising: a channel septum placed within the firstside channel.
 9. The electronic display assembly of claim 7 furthercomprising: a heat exchanger having a first pathway for open loop fluidand a second pathway for circulating gas; and a circulating fanpositioned to force circulating gas through the heat exchanger.
 10. Theelectronic display assembly of claim 7 wherein: the channel is definedby the space between an LED backlight and a plate.
 11. The electronicdisplay assembly of claim 7 wherein: the ingestion gap is positioned ona first vertical half of the assembly, while the exhaustion gap ispositioned on the opposing vertical half of the assembly.
 12. Theelectronic display assembly of claim 7 further comprising: a door cavitybehind the electronic display which accepts open loop fluid from thefirst side channel and directs it towards the channel behind theelectronic display.
 13. An electronic display assembly comprising: anelectronic display; a housing and front panel which surround theelectronic display; an ingestion gap positioned above the verticalcenter of the electronic display and located between the front panel andthe housing; an exhaustion gap positioned below the vertical center ofthe electronic display and located between the front panel and thehousing; a heat exchanger having a first pathway for open loop fluid anda separate second pathway for circulating gas; a circulating fanpositioned to force circulating gas through the heat exchanger; acentral septum placed between the ingestion gap and the exhaustion gapand near the vertical center of the electronic display; a fan positionedto cause the flow of open loop fluid into the ingestion gap, through theheat exchanger, and out of the exhaustion gap; a first side channelpositioned vertically and permitting gaseous communication between theingestion gap and the heat exchanger; a second side channel positionedvertically and permitting gaseous communication between the heatexchanger and the exhaustion gap; a first side channel septum placedwithin the first side channel; and a second side channel septum placedwithin the second side channel.
 14. The electronic display assembly ofclaim 13 wherein: the first and second side channel septumssubstantially block the vertical flow of open loop fluid.